Latest news with #TVOff
Express Tribune
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Super Bowl halftime performer arrested after Sudan and Gaza protest during Kendrick Lamar's set
Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu, the performer who staged a protest during Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Louisiana State Police confirmed the arrest on June 26, stating that Nantambu surrendered through coordination with his legal team. He faces charges of resisting an officer and disturbing the peace by interruption of a lawful assembly. The protest occurred on 9 February 2025 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. During Lamar's performance of 'TV Off,' Nantambu deviated from the choreographed routine, waving a flag with the words 'SUDAN' and 'GAZA' across it. Security quickly intervened, and he was detained by New Orleans police. While initially released without charges, he was banned for life from NFL stadiums and events. In a statement at the time, Super Bowl Halftime Show organisers clarified that no production staff were aware of Nantambu's intentions. Louisiana State Police later assumed investigative responsibility, reviewing security protocols in cooperation with the NFL and local law enforcement. Speaking to NBC News after the event, Nantambu explained his actions were meant to highlight the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. He called on President Donald Trump to 'be empathetic and compassionate' and to 'do what is right by the Palestinians… and if he can, help the Sudanese.'
Global News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Global News
Kendrick Lamar gets 2-minute ovation after ‘Not Like Us' in Drake's hometown
Kendrick Lamar stepped onto Drake's turf on Thursday, playing his first concert in Toronto since the rift between the music superstars went into hyperdrive last year. For the most part, the Los Angeles rapper didn't fan the flames of his feud, even if some ticketholders hoped he might douse the conflict in gasoline. Instead, Lamar mostly took the high road by focusing on the music. As the first of two nights at the Rogers Centre neared its close, Lamar pulled out his ace card with a performance of 'Not Like Us,' the chart-topping diss track that knocked Drake down a few pegs in popular culture. Immediately, phones went up, booties started shaking, and fans shouted along to the contemptuous lyrics that brought Lamar and Drake's rift to its apparent head. Once he was finished, Lamar stood centre stage in a spotlight, his face in shadow, and for the next two minutes he took in the roar of the crowd. Many of them screamed, 'One more time.' Story continues below advertisement Lamar didn't deliver that pleaded encore, but he gave the crowd plenty of other hits to dance to, including 'Squabble Up' and 'TV Off' from his latest album 'GNX' and older favourites 'Humble' and 'All the Stars,' which he performed with his tour mate SZA. 0:45 Drake announces tour, opening night coincides with rival Kendrick Lamar's Superbowl performance The duo are snaking their way across North America and Europe with their Grand National Tour this summer, but their only Canadian dates are in Toronto at a massive stadium that Drake has never played on tour. And so Lamar's moment in the spotlight could be seen as another win in the battle against his rap nemesis. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Drake and Lamar have been entrenched in a highly publicized rap beef that has culminated in a legal battle between the Canadian rapper and the U.S. record label that represents both men. Story continues below advertisement Drake is suing Universal Music Group for defamation for publishing and promoting 'Not Like Us.' In legal documents, Drake says the song's lyrics wrongly accuse him of being a pedophile, jeopardizing his safety and damaging his reputation. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Before the show, how Lamar might play his cards in Toronto loomed as internet forums and local barbershops buzzed with speculation of special guests and what he might say on stage. 2:07 Police investigate shooting at Drake's Toronto mansion amid rapper's beef with Kendrick Lamar Brendan Wong flew in from Calgary for what he described as a 'monumental occasion.' 'I love the music, I love Kendrick, I love SZA, so that's why I'm here, honestly,' he said outside the venue. 'It's not like I'm a religious Drake supporter, you know what I'm saying? I like Kendrick more, so I guess I'm on his side.' Story continues below advertisement Other ticket holders arrived wearing Drake's OVO gear, branded with its famous owl logo. Peter Jin's shirt featured a Canadian flag adorning the wing of the OVO owl. He said he likes the music of both rappers and was hoping for a surprise Drake appearance that might lead to a truce during the show. 'Maybe if they can go to the stage together,' he said. 'And challenge each other (in a rap battle), that would be amazing.' Jin didn't get his wish, though he said no matter how the night went, he would have fun. Outside the venue, a noticeably stronger police foot patrol roamed the premises, though the crowd appeared peaceful. Plans for some Drake fans to congregate in support of Drizzy during the show fizzled when organizers behind an Instagram account promoting the gathering said 'logistical constraints' prevented them from moving forward. Drake was also set to host a livestream Thursday night with American internet personality Kai Cenat, but the streamer later posted those plans were being delayed 'a few more days.' At least one Drake fan at the Rogers Centre came to simply to show his unwavering support, dressed head to toe in OVO memorabilia, including a hat, pants and jacket. Story continues below advertisement Even though he didn't have concert tickets, the fan, who called himself Julian, said he arrived from Whitby, Ont., 'to show who runs this city.' 'I've been a Drake and OVO diehard fan, that's what I was made for,' he said. 'I'm born October the 6th in the 6 (Toronto's nickname) … so I'm just here to support through and through.' 1:58 Shooting at Drake's home puts spotlight on Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar feud Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae came to the Lamar show without much thirst for the drama. They waited several hours in the merchandise line to purchase matching SZA shirts, in support of Lamar's Grammy-winning tour mate. But they admitted that the lingering feud between Drake and Lamar was still on their minds. 'Everyone's talking about it, so we had to get tickets because of the beef,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Tran said while the hype surrounding the rappers' bad blood drove them to buy seats, it wasn't the main reason they showed up. 'I think both of them are really good songwriters, so I don't really care about the personalities,' he added, before rethinking his answer. 'Honestly, I do like Drake better. I'm sorry. Yeah, but we are from Toronto, so we got to rep Drake.'
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Kendrick Lamar gets two-minute ovation after ‘Not Like Us' in Drake's hometown
TORONTO - Kendrick Lamar stepped onto Drake's turf on Thursday, playing his first concert in Toronto since the rift between the music superstars went into hyperdrive last year. For the most part, the Los Angeles rapper didn't fan the flames of his feud, even if some ticketholders hoped he might douse the conflict in gasoline. Instead, Lamar mostly took the high road by focusing on the music. As the first of two nights at the Rogers Centre neared its close, Lamar pulled out his ace card with a performance of 'Not Like Us,' the chart-topping diss track that knocked Drake down a few pegs in popular culture. Immediately, phones went up, booties started shaking, and fans shouted along to the contemptuous lyrics that brought Lamar and Drake's rift to its apparent head. Once he was finished, Lamar stood centre stage in a spotlight, his face in shadow, and for the next two minutes he took in the roar of the crowd. Many of them screamed, 'One more time.' Lamar didn't deliver that pleaded encore, but he gave the crowd plenty of other hits to dance to, including 'Squabble Up' and 'TV Off' from his latest album 'GNX' and older favourites 'Humble' and 'All the Stars,' which he performed with his tour mate SZA. The duo are snaking their way across North America and Europe with their Grand National Tour this summer, but their only Canadian dates are in Toronto at a massive stadium that Drake has never played on tour. And so Lamar's moment in the spotlight could be seen as another win in the battle against his rap nemesis. Drake and Lamar have been entrenched in a highly publicized rap beef that has culminated in a legal battle between the Canadian rapper and the U.S. record label that represents both men. Drake is suing Universal Music Group for defamation for publishing and promoting 'Not Like Us.' In legal documents, Drake says the song's lyrics wrongly accuse him of being a pedophile, jeopardizing his safety and damaging his reputation. None of the allegations have been proven in court. Before the show, how Lamar might play his cards in Toronto loomed as internet forums and local barbershops buzzed with speculation of special guests and what he might say on stage. Brendan Wong flew in from Calgary for what he described as a 'monumental occasion.' 'I love the music, I love Kendrick, I love SZA, so that's why I'm here, honestly,' he said outside the venue. 'It's not like I'm a religious Drake supporter, you know what I'm saying? I like Kendrick more, so I guess I'm on his side.' Other ticket holders arrived wearing Drake's OVO gear, branded with its famous owl logo. Peter Jin's shirt featured a Canadian flag adorning the wing of the OVO owl. He said he likes the music of both rappers and was hoping for a surprise Drake appearance that might lead to a truce during the show. 'Maybe if they can go to the stage together,' he said. 'And challenge each other (in a rap battle), that would be amazing.' Jin didn't get his wish, though he said no matter how the night went, he would have fun. Outside the venue, a noticeably stronger police foot patrol roamed the premises, though the crowd appeared peaceful. Plans for some Drake fans to congregate in support of Drizzy during the show fizzled when organizers behind an Instagram account promoting the gathering said 'logistical constraints' prevented them from moving forward. Drake was also set to host a livestream Thursday night with American internet personality Kai Cenat, but the streamer later posted those plans were being delayed 'a few more days.' At least one Drake fan at the Rogers Centre came to simply to show his unwavering support, dressed head to toe in OVO memorabilia, including a hat, pants and jacket. Even though he didn't have concert tickets, the fan, who called himself Julian, said he arrived from Whitby, Ont., 'to show who runs this city.' 'I've been a Drake and OVO diehard fan, that's what I was made for,' he said. 'I'm born October the 6th in the 6 (Toronto's nickname) … so I'm just here to support through and through.' Anthony Tran and Krisha Mae came to the Lamar show without much thirst for the drama. They waited several hours in the merchandise line to purchase matching SZA shirts, in support of Lamar's Grammy-winning tour mate. But they admitted that the lingering feud between Drake and Lamar was still on their minds. 'Everyone's talking about it, so we had to get tickets because of the beef,' he said. Tran said while the hype surrounding the rappers' bad blood drove them to buy seats, it wasn't the main reason they showed up. 'I think both of them are really good songwriters, so I don't really care about the personalities,' he added, before rethinking his answer. 'Honestly, I do like Drake better. I'm sorry. Yeah, but we are from Toronto, so we got to rep Drake.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
Forbes
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Kendrick Lamar Trades One No. 1 For Another — And Owns The Entire Top Three
Kendrick Lamar rules Billboard's Rap Airplay chart again as 'Luther' replaces his own 'TV Off' at ... More No. 1, while he also controls the entire top three. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 06: Kendrick Lamar speaks during the Super Bowl LVIX Pregame & Apple Music Super Bowl LVIX Halftime Show Press Conference at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by) Kendrick Lamar has been enjoying a wildly successful run on Billboard's rap charts for months now. First, he grabbed headlines and dominated multiple tallies with 'Not Like Us,' his now-Grammy-winning Drake diss track. Then came GNX, his latest studio album that's packed with hits, many of which have become radio staples as of late. This week, Lamar continues his reign on one of the most important rap rankings in the U.S., and he does so by swapping out one of his own smashes for another. On this week's Rap Airplay chart, Lamar is back on the top, but not with the same song that was leading last frame. Instead, 'Luther,' his collaboration with SZA, lifts from No. 2 to No. 1 on the ranking, displacing one of his own tunes in the process. The cut has now spent 18 weeks on the tally, though this is only its second frame ruling the list. Just last week, 'TV Off' was the top track across rap radio in America. The tune, which credits both Lamar and Lefty Gunplay, is pushed down to No. 2, as 'Luther' takes over once more, with DJs and radio programmers switching which GNX cut they prefer. This frame, Lamar does something few artists will ever achieve — he controls the top three spots on one of Billboard's radio charts. Coming in behind 'Luther' and 'TV Off' is 'Squabble Up,' a solo effort and the original focus track from GNX. That tune is up to No. 3 this week, its highest placement yet on the ranking. 'Squabble Up' has now spent 19 weeks on the Rap Airplay list, one more than either 'Luther' or 'TV Off.' So far, it's only peaked at No. 3, but if its upward ascent continues, Lamar may swap out a winner for the third week in a row – earning a trio of champions in a row. Just outside the highest tier, another GNX track is on the rise. 'Peekaboo,' which features AzChike, inches up one space to No. 13. That position represents a new peak for the tune, now in its sixth week on the Rap Airplay chart. While it still has some distance to cross before it comes close to giving Lamar one more ruler, his winning streak could continue. Even if 'Peakaboo' doesn't hit No. 1, if the cut breaks into the top 10 – which seems likely – it will be a major win for the rapper, as it's extremely rare for any act to occupy a quartet of spots inside the loftiest tier on any of Billboard's airplay tallies at the same time, especially as a lead act.
Forbes
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Drake Breaks With Tradition On The Radio With Multiple Rising Hits
Drake earns three rising hits from Some Sexy Songs for You, but Kendrick Lamar outshines him with ... More four from GNX and replaces himself at No. 1. LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 30: Drake speaks onstage during Drake's Till Death Do Us Part rap battle on October 30, 2021 in Long Beach, California. (Photo by) Drake has spent more than a decade dominating nearly every Billboard ranking there is. It's not unusual to see his name appear multiple times on a single tally, especially when he has a new project out. But this week, he's doing something slightly different, even for him. While he often spreads out his hits, selecting one single to focus on for each radio format – as is common music industry practice – he's currently gaining ground with several tracks from the same project. All of the wins that belong to Drake on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart this frame come from his recent collaborative effort Some Sexy Songs 4 U, created with fellow musician PartyNextDoor, and they're all on the way up. 'Give Me a Hug,' one of the standout solo cuts from Some Sexy Songs 4 U, improves from No. 10 to No. 8. Just behind it, 'Nokia' rockets from No. 36 to No. 28. Lower on the ranking, 'Somebody Loves Me,' which features PartyNextDoor, steps up from No. 37 to No. 31 this period. None of the tracks from Some Sexy Songs 4 U that are currently charting on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay list have been around for long. 'Give Me a Hug' is the longest-running hit, and it has only spent four weeks on the ranking. The other two—'Nokia' and 'Somebody Loves Me'—both debuted just one frame ago, though they may stick around for weeks to come as they rise. While Drake is soaring with three tracks from Some Sexy Songs 4 U, his frequent chart rival Kendrick Lamar also fills multiple spaces on the same radio list — and he actually manages to outdo his fellow hip-hop superstar. Lamar currently claims four spots on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, mostly thanks to tunes from his new album GNX. 'Luther,' the set's current single, holds at No. 2 this week. 'TV Off,' a fan-favorite with Lefty Gunplay, slips slightly from No. 1 to No. 3. Two more cuts also appear on the same tally at the same time, as 'Squabble Up' holds steady at No. 11, while 'Peekaboo,' which credits AZChike, debuts at No. 35. Perhaps the most impressive chart move connected to Lamar this frame is that he replaces himself at No. 1. 'TV Off' loses its crown – but it's '30 for 30,' another smash he's credited on, that takes its place. The song, another joint effort with SZA, bolts from No. 5 to No. 1.
